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“It's certainly time we heard more of the young Petersburg-trained bass Ildar Abdrazakov… the full agony of the songs about Dante and death touches something deeper. Gianandrea Noseda's BBC Philharmonic set up the necessary atmospheres, whether in apocalyptic trumpet duets, the fierce hammer-blows of 'Creativity' or the tender-mysterious string refrains of 'Night'.” - BBC Music Magazine “Abdrazakov's restraint brings its own rewards, allowing the songs to speak with social wisdom, the more so thanks to his fabulously steady tone, which remains rich and euphonious across the entire register and dynamic range. The BBC Philharmonic and their principal conductor accompany with refinement and well aimed attack… This is another full-blooded performance and finely judged recording...” - Gramophone “Austere, uncompromising stuff, it’s ideally suited to Gianandrea Noseda’s severe way with Shostakovich and he and the BBC Philharmonic illuminate its bleakly beautiful orchestral palette with great subtlety.” - The Guardian Shostakovich’s last major work Suite on Words by Michelangelo, Op. 145a is the centrepiece of this recording by sought-after Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Gianandrea Noseda. Praised for his interpretation Henry VIII in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2011 production of Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, Abdrazakov presents a powerful and nuanced performance of this neglected masterpiece.